Chapter Nineteen

With the office chair set at an angle, Aden could see the stairs. He’d propped the door open before he sat behind the desk to get some work done, while waiting for Shay to make an appearance. He finalized his order to the restaurant supply company, then closed the computer and turned his attention to everything Olivia had told him. He trusted his twin’s intuition. Olivia could read people.

“I believe her,” she’d told Aden after she returned to the Grill and got Shay settled. “That wonderful woman is not a liar.”

Exes were nothing but trouble. Kayla certainly caused him enough problems on the work front. Freaking Kayla. She hadn’t been back around since the scene that sent Shay running the first time. Word around the kitchen was she hung out for a while bad-mouthing him, then headed back to California with Barry. They deserved each other.

Aden massaged his temples and stared out into the dining room. The night Nick showed up at the restaurant, the look in his eyes showed he wanted his wife back. But Shay didn’t go to her ex. She went to Aden.

A creak on the stairs drew him out of his thoughts. Shay stood, paused at the bottom step. It had been a week since the fiasco with Kayla, and except for quick nods of acknowledgment, they hadn’t communicated. Exhaustion from overnight and this morning was still evident in the dark circles under her eyes and it looked like she’d lost weight.

But they would have a conversation. “Can we talk?” He stayed seated, not wanting her to bolt.

Shay tugged at her shirt and stepped into the room. “Uh, yeah, sure.”

“You didn’t get enough sleep.” Her face was pale, and she seemed vulnerable. He longed to gather her in his arms and hold her. “Where are you going?”

“I’m on duty. It’s Monday.”

“Olivia said your shift is covered. Joanna left a message not to worry about anything.” He didn’t like the way she wouldn’t meet his eyes.

“I don’t want everyone covering for me.”

“Would you do it for them?”

She nodded.

“So, let them take care of you.”

She crossed the room and sank into the dark-green chair across from the desk, looking everywhere but at him. “I’m sorry for bringing so much trouble along with me.”

Aden got up from the chair, supporting himself with the desk, and made his way around. If only he were strong and steady enough to sweep her up into his arms. But maybe it would be better if she came to him. He stopped in front of her and leaned back, resting on the edge.

She finally peeked up.

“You’re walking. That’s wonderful.”

Her big hazel-colored eyes sparkled with happiness. “We haven’t seen much of each other since last week.”

“I know.” Her cheeks flushed. “I didn’t know what to say to you.”

“There are a couple of things I want to say. First, you have nothing to be sorry for. We all have pasts. You have Nick, and I have Kayla. You’ve done nothing but support Olivia and me.” He paused and sighed. “Will you come here so I can hold you?”

****

With his dark-blond hair disheveled, and the mixture of openness and concern in his brown eyes, she forgot her decision to stay away from the boss. After a moment’s hesitation, she pushed out of the chair, walked over, and stood in front of him. Aden’s arms wrapped around her, and she buried her face in his broad chest. For the first time in a long, long time, she felt safe and protected. Letting down her guard, she couldn’t hold back all the emotions making her sick at heart. Tears flowed, followed by sobs.

“Everything is going to work out.” Aden held her and rubbed her back. “I’m here for you if you’ll let me.”

She nodded into his chest. With the bulk of her crying over, she wiggled out of his arms and fumbled to get a tissue out of her bag. “I’m sorry again. Your shirt’s a mess. I’ll have to do both your and Olivia’s laundry. I’ve never been such a crybaby.”

He put a finger under her chin and tilted her head back. “Stop apologizing. I said I’m here for you. But can we go over to the couch? My legs aren’t used to standing for so long.”

“Of course, I’m—”

“What did I say?” He interrupted her. “No more sorries.”

A few awkward steps later, with her help, they settled on the brown-leather sofa along the wall. Shay hitched a leg under and faced him.

He lifted a hand and brushed her cheek. “Shay, I’ve come to care about you. I want you in my life as more than an employee.”

Aden’s brown eyes searched hers.

“I know Nick spent the night with you. I also know you just talked. Forgive me for being a jerk? I should have been at your side with all you’ve gone through.”

“You have nothing to apologize for. This is my mess, and you have more important things to do.” One of the weights sitting on her chest lifted, and she looked away. At least he believed she hadn’t slept with Nick.

“Right now, nothing is more important than you.” Aden lifted her chin. “Look at me. It’s true.”

“And I care about you too,” she whispered. “But I’m worried. What if, when you’re healed and can walk, you realize I’m not what you want?”

“Is that what you think?” He yanked his hand back. “You think so little of me? I only want you because you’re convenient?”

“No, Aden. It’s not you.” Shay lowered her eyes again and gnawed on her bottom lip. This was so embarrassing. It hurt to know she was always the also-ran, not only in her parents’ eyes but in Nick’s too. She started to rise, but Aden held her arm in a gentle grip.

“Don’t,” he said. “Let’s talk and get this all out in the open.”

“Okay, honesty.” Instead of pushing away, she relaxed back into the sofa. “What if you decide you want to move on? Where does it leave me? If we start a relationship, I’m afraid I’ll fall for you and…”

“I’ve already fallen for you.” Aden interrupted her.

She did a double take then held his gaze. “What?” Was he serious?

“Shay, I’ve been getting in deeper every day with you since the accident. Your voice, without even seeing your face, called to me.” Aden’s voice grew gravelly. “Every day I watch and listen to you. Your gentleness and kindness, to Liv, me, and everyone you come in contact with—Shay, you’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met, inside and out.”

She knelt up on the couch, careful of his legs, and placed a hand on each of his shoulders. “Aden…”

His large hand slid into her hair and around the back of her head. He pulled her close until their foreheads touched.

“Please, give us a chance.”

“Aden,” she breathed his name.

“Shh.” He silenced her with his lips.

****

Olivia needed to stop at Jazz House before heading home. She had to check on the construction. They were near completion. In a few more weeks, it should open for business.

Coming soon! Jazz House Supper Club

The banner, emblazoned in gold and black, stretched across the window.

She unlocked the front door and flipped on the lights. Painters’ ladders and scaffolding were scattered around the dining room. Smiling with satisfaction, she breathed in the scent of fresh paint. The dark ruby-red and gold colors she’d chosen to complement the brick walls were perfect. The mahogany bar she’d found in a southern Pennsylvania reclamation yard was covered with drop cloths. No other furniture had been delivered yet.

Stepping over paint cans and other tools, she made her way to the kitchen. The appliances had been delivered that day, and she wanted to ensure everything was correct. Usually, she would have been there to sign off on them, but sometimes there weren’t enough hours in the day. She’d had to trust the company to do it right.

Pushing through the swinging door into the kitchen, Olivia fumbled for the light.

Just when her fingers found it, something hard slammed against her temple. She slid to the floor and reached up to touch her head. It was wet.

A woman’s voice muttered, “Give my regards to Shay.”

“Are you Brenda?” Olivia stared at her fingers in the dim light. Blood.

The blurry image of a woman laughed and stepped over her.

Olivia took a few minutes to gather her wits enough to grab her purse. The contents spilled out onto the tiles, and she scrabbled around until she found the phone.

Buzzing filled her ears as she hit redial.

David answered on the second ring. “Hey, Liv I’m almost at the condo. Do you need me to pick anything up?”

“David?” Her voice slurred.

“Olivia? Are you all right? Where are you?”

His voice reminded her of talking in a tunnel, or one of those cans and string things. “David?” She licked her lips. “Help.”

“Where are you? What happened?”

His shouting hurt her head.

“Olivia! Answer me.”

“Jazz…”